Sterculia indica

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A small evergreen tree. It grows up to 15 m high. The trunk is 25-35 cm across. The fruit has 5 star shaped follicles. They are light red. A follicle is 6 cm long by 3.5 cm wide. There are 3-4 seeds in each follicle. The seeds are oval, black and 4-5 mm long.

Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is a shade demanding tree. It grows in primary and secondary forest below 1,700 m altitude. It grows at the base of limestone mountains. In Sikkim it grows between 500-1,300 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The tender fruit are cooked and eaten. The seeds are roasted or fried and eaten. The seeds contain edible oil.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, nuts

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Bara udal, Chiuripat, Chiwaripat, Kanthior-kung, Lumbak, Nakchepeta, Trom do

Synonyms

Sterculia coccinea Roxb.;